So today I was in London for a special GTB event, a Q&A with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, I applied for this because I am passionate about youth unemployment and the shoddy support we receive from the government. In my application I wrote that it would be criminal not to give me this opportunity as I would be entertaining - perhaps.
I was the first one there this morning - no fear though, I met one of Nick's press team in the lift (hooray) and we chatted about what I wanted to ask him, she was really lovely and wished me luck. Got sat in the lounge area with some breakfast and met some really nice people - did a bit of networking, what's your twitter etc, every little helps I guess!
The next bit just changed the whole day - Eleanor from GTB wanders over and offers me the opportunity to shadow an FHM journalist for the morning, not my type of magazine but why the hell not eh! Met Jordan who is the web editor who then tells me that we are getting a 5 minute interview with him after the Q&A - NICE! Was really good hearing how Jordan worked his way up through the business, he's worked hard man and it's really inspired me, will probs have to do the big move soon I reckon. Eeeek.
The Q&A was really good, and all the questions were so different that it really didn't feel as if there was any repetition which was good, I particularly enjoyed the question on the Scottish referendum, Nick basically said when we work together we can get more done. He obviously said it in a more persuasive and complex way but you catch my drift! Got a cheeky photo of him doing his intro speech;
Speaking of photos, it was so funny noticing all the hilarious things that Jordan pointed out that Nick would do for example; point out the people who were sitting on the beanbags and getting a good photo op, lol.
So anyhow, the Q&A finishes and we head downstairs for the interview and it was pretty mint actually, saw the press person from the lift, told her I didn't get to ask my question in the Q&A so we get extra time which was ace. Jordan had some work for FHM to do first - questions, that you can read when it comes out. It was interesting because it wasn't about what I thought it would be, but Nick had some funny responses, so that was good. Took this cheeky photo of him whilst I was sitting opposite him;
I'm dead proud of this ^-^
So yeah, I got to ask Nick my question which was "job centres are pretty awful, and even worse when you come from one of the highest unemployed cities...you basically walk in, sign and then shoved out of the door, I'm a number to them, but I'm a person and I have dreams and aspirations! What are you doing about this to make it better and easier to find a job?" his first response was "to get the economy moving" to which I told him that he should seal the deal on the Siemens deal in Hull, I don't think he appreciated my honesty there, but in July he was quoted saying that the deal was 'imminent' it's October now pal. Additionally, he stated that more work experience was vital - I told him that so much of it isn't working because there simply aren't the jobs there for people to be taken on.
There are a few other ace bits - but I don't want to share those yet, pipeline stuff init. All in good times folks.
We were rushed a bit after this, but yeah, it was a great experience! Managed to get a cheeky photo with him which was pretty cool, I look like shit, so just don't look at my face, okay?
Wheyy - me and Cleggy!
Saw something that made me laugh today. I absolutely agree with Andre. I'm no fan of Nick Clegg because he's made such a massive boo boo out of being leader of the Liberal Democrats and really pissed people off, but he was actually a really nice guy - I know, I'm sorry, I know that's not what you wanna hear!
Thanks to @GoThinkBig - what a day, I can't thank you enough! It was worth like 6 hours of travelling from home!
Check them out at www.gothinkbig.co.uk if you're interested in media, they're great!
Any comments, write below, or tweet me @DebStevo90
Stevo xx
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